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The following tips are listed in alphabetical order by cleaning application or material to be cleaned. If you have trouble finding the answer to your question, please click here to contact us via e-mail. We'd love to hear how you use Simple Green products.
ACRYLIC
General cleaning should be done with 1-part Simple Green® to 30-parts water, rinsed well after cleaning, and only done in areas with good ventilation. If a shower manufacturer (or maker of other acrylic parts) recommends something else be used, we know from experience that while Simple Green, when used properly, is safe to clean acrylic, we also know that common shampoos and soaps can damage acrylic over time — you will be better off cleaning your shower or other acrylic item with whatever the manufacturer recommends. That way, any defects down the road (which, hopefully, you will not experience,) can be attributed back to the maker and your warranty protection will still be in place.
The manufacturer might just give you a list of attributes that your cleaner must have. If they do that, please feel free to contact us with that information and we’ll let you know if our product conforms or not.
ADHESIVES
Glue, mastic, etc.:
While Simple Green products are good cleaners, they are not always effective against some adhesives or glues. One of the few that it will work well on is Vinyl Flooring Adhesive (mastic). This requires 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water, a long soak to soften it, and very hot water to remove it.
AIR FILTERS
Dishwasher-safe ionizer panels should be washed with Simple Green in a sink to avoid over-foaming in the dishwasher. If the panels are heavily covered in soil, smoke, or tar, the best cleaning method would be to wet the panels with tap water, spray the panels with a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water, and set them in the sink. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes (make sure solution doesn’t dry) and then rinse them thoroughly under the faucet or with a sink sprayer. This can also be done with a large bucket and a hose outdoors.
Electrostatic Air Filters — can be cleaned with Simple Green if these proper dilution and application steps are followed:
- Simple Green product should be diluted 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water for heavily soiled or greasy filters; or 1-part Simple Green to 32-parts water for lightly soiled, non-greasy filters.
- Dip the filter into a large container filled with diluted cleaning solution and "dunk agitate" repeatedly until filter looks clean, (or, spray the diluted solution onto the filter from top to bottom,) and then rinse thoroughly with clean water until there is no foaminess to the rinse water at all. Using hot water can usually achieve a cleaner rinse in a shorter time than cold water.
- Make sure filter is completely dry before reinstalling into electronic filtering equipment. (Drying with a blow-dryer can speed this up.)
AIR CONDITIONER COILS
The best Simple Green® product to use for cleaning aluminum air conditioner coils, electrostatic air filters or collector cells is either Extreme Simple Green Motorsports or Simple Green Pro HD. The recommended dilution ratio for either product is about 1:10. First, wet the coils or filter with water and then apply the cleaning solution. Let the solution soak on the coils for about 10 minutes or so (do not allow it to dry before rinsing) and then rinse thoroughly. If your coils are extremely dirty, you can dip them into the solution and soak them for a longer period of time, provide some agitation with a very soft bristle brush, or soak them in a stronger 1:1 dilution.
For light to medium cleaning with Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, a 1:30 dilution ratio should be used. Wet the coils with water and then apply the cleaning solution. Let the solution sit on the coils for a maximum of 10 minutes (do not allow it to dry before rinsing) and then rinse thoroughly. If your coils are extremely dirty, use a 1:1 dilution ratio. When using this dilution ratio on aluminum components, limit the contact time to 5 minutes maximum and be sure to rinse well.
ALUMINUM SIDING
Simple Green is extremely effective at cleaning siding (vinyl siding, wood cladding, aluminum siding, stucco, etc.) If your siding is not heavily soiled and you have access to a pressure washer or steam cleaner, a 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water solution would be best. If you will be manually cleaning the surface, use a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution. Work in sections so that the Simple Green solution does not dry on the surface prior to rinsing. Best results come from starting on lower areas and working upward, to avoid making "clean streaks" that are very difficult to even out.
If you are trying to remove grease buildup on your siding from a vented exhaust, manually clean the area with a 1:5 dilution using a rag or sponge. Test this dilution first and increase strength as necessary, to a strongest solution of 1:1. Wash in small sections and rinse with water before solution dries.
If your siding has a powder coat, you may experience some color runoff due to removal of oxidized paint. This removal is essential for maintaining your siding and in no way damages the paint or powder coat. If your aluminum is bare, please remember that Simple Green will remove all grease & soil. This means that you will have raw, unprotected aluminum exposed to the elements. We recommend using aluminum paint or some other sort of protective coating after cleaning to prevent oxidation of the metal. If the aluminum already has any sort of oxidation or discoloration from weather staining, Simple Green will not remove this. Simple Green will only work on dirt, pollution, biological soils, grease or oil that is on the surface.
Note: Another great product for this job is Extreme Simple Green® Motorsports. This product is anti-corrosive to aluminum at dilutions up to and including 1:13; and it is a terrific cleaner. Available on-line through Aircraft Spruce and Grainger, and through some industrial distributors. Call 1-800-228-0709 for distribution in your area.
ANIMAL AREAS (Stalls, Kennels,
etc. — see Bird Cages)
- Remove animals from cages, stalls or other areas to be cleaned. If you will be spraying the cleaning solution, move animals and keep people to areas where they will not be downwind of any mist that is created.
- Depending on how dirty the area is, mix a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution (for heavily soiled and/or heavy odor) or a 1-part Simple Green to 32-parts water solution (for lightly soiled and/or light odor.)
- Using a sponge, cloth, mop or other traditional cleaning method, wash all water-safe surfaces with this solution.
- Rinse surfaces with plain water. This can be done via hose, or with a plain water wipe-down with cloth, sponge or mop.
- Because Simple Green does not contain any chlorinated or ammoniated ingredients, it can be used in conjunction with a variety of disinfectants if the situation requires it. Disinfect the area according to manufacturer's directions for the disinfectant product; we recommend Simple Green D Pro 5 — developed especially to combat today's virulent pathogens.
- Allow all surfaces to dry before returning animals to the area. Do not leave any containers or puddles of Simple Green solution (or any disinfectant) where animals might drink from them. Although Simple Green is non-toxic, it can cause diarrhea and vomiting if enough is ingested — creating an unhappy animal and an additional cleaning task you don’t want.
ARTIFICIAL TURF
Simple Green can be an effective and non-harmful way to clean newer synthetic turf. A 1-part Simple Green to 64-parts water solution is recommended, followed by a good, thorough water rinse. Using this high dilution should still efficiently clean turf, yet minimize any foaming problems. If you are having difficulty removing turf marks, a stronger solution of 1:32 can be applied to those specific areas, and then rinsed really well.
AUTO DETAILING
Exterior Car Washing: Use Simple Green Car Wash, following application instructions on label. Additionally, original Simple Green has been used to wash automobiles (motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, etc.) for more than 35 years. A 1:32 dilution is just right (4 oz. Simple Green to 1 gallon water.)
Best results come from washing when auto surface is cool, doing the job in the shade or on overcast days. Work in sections, cleaning and then rinsing.
Car Wax Removal: Mix a solution of 1-part original Simple Green and 5-parts hot water. Let the solution remain on the surface for 5-10 minutes, but not dry. If there are multiple coats of wax — especially differing varieties of wax from coat to coat, several applications of this hot cleaning solution may be necessary.
Painted Engine Parts and Chromed Parts: Concentrated Simple Green solutions are able to remove oxidized paint (which is a good thing) and/or poorly applied paint jobs, (which is a bad thing.) Be particularly careful of “chromed” parts that are poorly painted, not plated.
Engine Washing: Cover distributor cap and plugs with aluminum foil to protect. Spray down the cool engine with a 1:1 solution of Simple Green Pro Series MAX & water. Let solution sit for about 5 to 10 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Some cracks and crevices, or extremely dirty engines might require some light scrubbing with a non-metallic bristle brush before rinsing. If you clean a metal surface, particularly aluminum, and it is not repainted right away, be sure to apply a light machine oil to protect from oxidation and displace moisture.
Plastic Instrument Panels and Convertible Tops: We do not recommend original concentrated Simple Green for use on instrument panels or plastic windows, such as convertible-top windows. Certain types of plastic can become cloudy upon exposure to regular Simple Green and this condition may not be reversible.
Runoff: Cleaning on the street, in the driveway or garage: Even though Simple Green is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is still a violation of the Federal Clean Air & Water Act to allow the runoff to enter a storm drain or open body of water (lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, etc.) However, because it is non-toxic and biodegradable, you can clean vehicles over dirt, gravel, or grassy areas and then just water it in when done. Simple Green will biodegrade in the soil and will break down petroleum so that the natural bacteria in the ground can consume it.
Note: Be sure not to leave any sudsy puddles where animals or birds might drink.
AWNINGS
Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is both safe and effective for cleaning your canvas, mesh, or nylon tent or awning. Simple Green will not affect treated surfaces such as Scotchgard®. The recommended dilution ratio is 1:30. It is always best to wet the fabric surface prior to applying the Simple Green solution and always clean the surface when it is cool. For best results apply to a wet surface, scrub with a soft bristle brush or non-abrasive scrubber and rinse well with a hose. Allow to air dry, preferably in a sunny area.
BATHROOM FIXTURES
Use Simple Green Lime Scale Remover on faucets, fixtures, in tub and/or shower, on shower doors, and more, anyplace you have scale, scum and hard-water deposits. Spray Simple Green Lime Scale Remover directly onto surfaces to be cleaned; cover area completely with cleaning solution, scrubbing away any stuck-on deposits. Rinse cleaned areas well with plain water immediately after cleaning. Simple Green Lime Scale Remover should not be used on colored tile grout.
BBQ GRILLS
Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner is a foaming, ready to use cleaner that is very effective on greasy, dirty BBQs. It is safe to use on all metal surfaces found in today’s BBQs and grills and can also be used to clean ovens and microwaves, including stainless steel and most painted metal (always test an inconspicuous area first). Spray directly onto a cool surface, scrub well with a non-abrasive brush or scrubber and rinse. It’s that easy! For glass windows on your BBQ, wet the glass before applying the foam, and then quickly follow with a damp water rinse. Do not allow the foam to sit on the glass surface (it will leave a residue). Although foaming Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ & Grill Cleaner contains a non-flammable fluid, the propellants in the product could spark on a hot surface and create an unsafe condition. Rinse or damp-wipe all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.
To clean BBQs and grills with Concentrated Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner, mix a 1:10 solution of Simple Green and water, apply to a wet surface (for best results use the foaming tip on the Simple Green spray nozzle), scrub well with a soft to medium bristle, non-abrasive brush and rinse well. Be careful not to allow the Simple Green solution to dry onto the surface.
After a thorough cleaning, use Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish to restore luster and shine to the outside of your stainless steel BBQ. In one easy step, it cleans, shines and protects against smears, smudges, dust collection, and water marks.
BIRD CAGES
Simple Green can be safely used around birds if certain common-sense precautions are taken. Birds are keenly sensitive to foreign agents in their environment, and cages are a closed environment, making proper usage even more critical.
- Remove the bird from the cage. If possible, place them on a perch or in a travel cage in a different room.
- Remove all paper, litter, bowls and toys from the cage.
- Mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water solution.
- Using a sponge, scrubbing pad, or non-metallic bristle brush, scrub down the cage. If the cage is really large, start at the top and work downward, stopping after sections to rinse, so that the cleaning solution does not dry on the cage and become much more difficult to rinse off. You can apply the diluted solution with a spray bottle, but be careful not to "mist" it around your bird, making it much easier for them to inhale.
- Rinse each section, or the entire cage, by either hosing down (if outside) or using a bucket of clean water and a sponge or cloth to wipe/rinse down all bars, perches, base & legs. Do not leave bits of foamy Simple Green clinging to the cage.
- Wash all water-safe (hard, non-porous) toys and dishes or bowls with the 1:32 solution and rinse extremely well.
- Let cage dry and then set it back up for the bird (paper or litter, feed and water, toys, etc.)
- Return the bird to the cage.
You may be reassured to know that we have three birds in our Corporate Headquarters office: An African Grey named “Scarlet”, a Severe Macaw named “Oscar”, and an Umbrella Cockatoo named “Jimmy”. All three birds are healthy and (we hope) happy — — and all have their cages regularly cleaned with Simple Green.
BLADES, CARBIDE & SAW BLADES
Simple Green has been successfully used by many woodworkers over many years as a good "spray - wipe - rinse" cleaner for saw blades. When pitch is fairly fresh (typically within a 12-hr period since deposit) it is fairly easily removed with Simple Green. Older, dried-out pitch is much more difficult to remove. We do not recommend long-term soaking of Carbide blades in Simple Green. Long-term exposure like this can possibly cause cobalt leaching that will, in turn, affect the integrity or carbide. Shorter term "spray/wipe/rinse" applications do not create that kind of problem.
It has been reported to us that long-term soaking of carbide blades covered with older, tougher buildup of pitch in strong, black coffee does a great job of removing pitch without harming the blade.
BOATS
For general cleaning of the hull of your boat mix a 1:30 solution of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner and water. For best results work in sections: wet the area to be cleaned first, apply the Simple Green solution, scrub with a soft carwash-type brush or non-abrasive sponge or mitt, rinse well and use a chamois or lint-free cloth to remove any excess water. You should never wash the exterior of your boat in or near a natural water source. Remember, allowing anything other than water to enter into streams, lakes, storm drains or other natural water sources is a violation of the Clean Water Act. This is true for any fluid (except plain water) – not just Simple Green.
Note: Be sure not to leave any sudsy puddles where animals or birds might drink.
Heads: (marine toilets) Unfortunately, Simple Green is not a good choice as the only cleaner for marine head cleaning needs. Specific products have been formulated for this type of head maintenance and they contain particular attributes that Simple Green does not. While a small amount of Simple Green entering the head system will not harm the enzymes or good bacteria in the system, our products do not contain enzymes or bacteria, so they will not aid in the digestion of the waste in the head system. Simple Green products are also not anti-foaming, which is a vital characteristic of marine head cleaners.
Interior Boat Cleaning: Look at the label instructions and these Cleaning Tips for general household cleaning guidance.
Vinyl/Naugahyde Seats: When used as instructed, Simple Green can safely clean vinyl seats. First, one never wants to use a solution stronger than a 1:30 dilution.
- Dampen the cool upholstery with fresh water.
- Wash the upholstery with the 1:30 diluted solution.
- Immediately rinse/wipe with plain water.
- Work in sections so that rinsing is done immediately after cleaning.
- Conduct cleaning on cool vinyl, in shaded areas, or on overcast days. Heat often makes cleaners act more aggressively than is wanted.
- After cleaning, you must apply vinyl dressing. This will help prolong the life of your upholstery
Note: Removal of stains (leaves, ink, mildew, etc.) can sometimes be accomplished with the 1:30 dilution. However, if it does not work, try repeated applications – do not try a stronger dilution. If the stains don’t come off with diluted product, the stronger solution won’t work either, and it might damage the vinyl.
BRASS
Use Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish to clean brass fixtures. It is ready-to-use so there is no dilution necessary.
- Before cleaning brass with anything, make sure that the manufacturer of the brass fixture or part has not cautioned against using any particular brand or type of cleaner.
- Clean cool or lukewarm brass – not hot.
- Apply Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish with a non-abrasive cloth or dry paper towel.
- Wipe away with clean, dry cloth or towel, to a high shine.
BRICK & GRANITE MASONRY
Simple Green is quite safe to use on brick masonry and granite stone. If your surface is not very dirty, a 1-part-Simple Green to 32-parts-water dilution should work well. Increase your dilution strength as necessary for more heavily soiled surfaces. Be sure to rinse surfaces extremely well after cleaning.
The diluted Simple Green will not harm neighboring grass, flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. – simply water-in the dilute Simple Green into the surrounding soil area. Simple Green is readily decomposed in the environment by naturally occurring microorganisms.
Granite, Marble, Quartz, Limestone, Corian® and Silestone®: Use Simple Green Stone Non-Abrasive Cleaner and Simple Green Stone Streak-Free Polish to keep fine granite, marble, quartz, limestone, Corian® and Silestone® tabletops and countertops, etc. clean, protected, and looking like new.
CAMPERS
See RV’s below.
CANDLE SOOT
To remove candle soot from surfaces mix a 1:10 solution of Simple Green and water. Just spray on and wipe clean with a damp sponge.
CANVAS
See awnings above.
CAR COVERS
Please check your car cover documents for cleaning instructions and to make sure you do not invalidate any warranty by using Simple Green.
Machine cleaning: Simple Green has been approved for use on Covercraft® Car Covers. Cleaning should be done in a large commercial washing machine without a center agitator. Use ¼ Cup of Simple Green per load. Rinse the cover twice to remove all of the cleaner from the fabric, and then air dry.
Manual cleaning: Cover can be cleaned while pinned to a clothes line. Wash and rinse from the inside of the cover (this will push soil out of the top layer of the cover, rather than driving it into lower layers. Wash with a bucket of warm water and 4 ounces of Simple Green for every 1-gallon of water in the bucket. Be sure the cover is completely and thoroughly rinsed with fresh water — make sure no suds remain in the rinse. Line (air) dry. You can also wash the cover while it is on your vehicle. Turn cover inside out and put on the vehicle. Follow the dilution instructions above. You will need to completely rinse down your vehicle after the cover is removed.
CARPETS, RUGS, UPHOLSTERY
Simple Green Carpet Cleaner carries label instructions to be used as both a spot-stain remover and also in carpet extraction cleaning machines. It is an excellent choice for most carpets, rugs and upholstery — with a few precautions:
- Always spot-test on an inconspicuous area (such as in a closet or spot that’s covered by furniture,) before cleaning large or prominent areas. This is to make sure that your carpet is colorfast and compatible with Simple Green.
- Always follow the label directions.
- Do not over-saturate the surface, as this can greatly increase drying time and enable mildew to form in damp carpet.
- Original Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can be used to spot-clean or machine clean your carpets but should not be used too strong on white or light-colored carpets, as the green color can sometimes discolor certain carpet fibers. If using original Simple Green instead of Simple Green Carpet Cleaner, dilute at 4 teaspoons to 4 cups of water for spot treating, or 3 ounces per gallon of water in a carpet extraction machine. Always spot test first.
CAT SPRAY, CAT URINE, DOG URINE OR SKUNK SPRAY -
ON CEMENT/CONCRETE
It is recommended that this cleaning task be done during the best weather possible so that fresh air can be introduced into the area being cleaned. Begin by opening all windows and doors in the room (if indoors), and set up fans for good air circulation. Mix 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts hot water in a bucket and scrub all hard surfaces down with this solution. If the floor is not sealed, a wet-vac for extraction will be extremely helpful in pulling the cleaning solution from the pores of the concrete. Hot water in the cleaning solution and for rinsing always gives the best result, but cold water can be used. You will need to remove as much moisture as possible after cleaning to get the best deodorizing results and to avoid any creation of mold or mildew.
Also scrub or wipe down the first three to four feet up from the floor on all walls. Once cleaning is done, keep the windows and doors open and keep running fans until everything is dry. If in a basement without doors or windows to fresh air, open a door to the rest of the house, open windows in the rest of the house and, if cold outside, turn on your heating system. Give several hours for this situation to remain before closing up the house for the night.
Note: You might have to eventually try an enzyme or bacterial odor destruction product if the animal continues to mark or urinate in the same area(s). However, you should be able to use far less of this kind of product if you cleaned with Simple Green first, because there will be less residue for the enzyme or bacterial product to work upon.
Lastly, soft surfaces (carpets, upholstered furniture, drapes, curtains, pillows, etc.,) should be aired out in fresh dry air, laundered, dry-cleaned, or discarded.
CEMENT/CONCRETE
First determine if the concrete is sealed or not. If sealed, a stronger dilution ratio can be used (1-part Simple Green to 5-parts water for super-dirty or greasy concrete; 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water for lighter soils.) If not sealed, the concrete will be extremely porous, and lighter solutions (1:10 to 1:30) should be used in order to be able to rinse the Simple Green out of the pores. This is especially important if the concrete is being cleaned prior to being painted or sealed, as any emulsified oil and cleaner residue in the pores could interfere with sealant or paint adhesion.
Work in sections so that the cleaning solution does not dry on the floor prior to rinsing. Scrub a section with a shop broom or long-handled bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly with water — if hot or warm water is available, this will give an even better rinse. Allow surface to dry completely before applying any sealants or paints.
Note: Do not allow the rinse fluid to enter a storm drain or open body of water, as this is a violation of the Clean Water Act. Rinse into a sanitary sewer drain or onto a gravel, dirt, or grass area and water it in thoroughly.
CHROME
What you may think is a chrome surface, may actually be a chrome-painted surface. It is important to know which you have, as Simple Green (and many other cleaning products,) can harm chrome paint. True chrome, on the other hand, is impervious to Simple Green. The dilution of the cleaning solution is determined by the severity of the soil. Heavy soils (thick greases, oils, baked on soils, tar, adhesives, etc.) should be cleaned with a 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water solution. It is often beneficial to first wet the surface with plain water before applying the cleaning solution. And, although you should always clean chrome when it is cool, making the dilution with hot water can help the product clean more aggressively. Wet surface, apply cleaning solution, wait a minute to allow Simple Green to penetrate soil, scrub heavily soiled areas with a soft-bristle brush, then rinse with strong hose pressure. Lighter soils (road dirt, dust, etc.) can be handled with a 1:10 solution of Simple Green to water.
Note: If your chrome ever turns dull, with a rainbow effect on the surface, it is time for new chrome, as heat, rapid cooling and heating, road soils, and "sandblasting" from being struck with dirt, sand, and pebbles, can cause chrome to discolor like this. Try some chrome polish to see if it can be restored, but plan on possibly having to plate or replace these parts.
DECKS
Using Simple Green as a deck wash (over land) works great! You can use Simple Green in conjunction with a pressure washer, or do the job manually with great results. Prior to cleaning, wet down with plain water all plants trees and grass that may get sprayed or dripped on by the cleaning solution.
Pressure Washer: It is best to mix the Simple Green with water so that the solution coming from the Chemical Injection setting is approximately a 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water ratio. Alternatively, you can mix a 1:30 solution into a pump-up sprayer and apply the cleaning solution that way. Work in sections so that the cleaner doesn’t dry on the surface. Wet a section with water, then spray on the Simple Green solution. Allow solution to sit for a minute or two to penetrate soils. With a soft-bristle brush, scrub any areas that have stubborn soil, mold, mildew, tree sap, lichen, or staining, then rinse the area with the pressure washer at a moderate setting.
Notes: If your pressure washer delivers more than 300 or 400 pounds of pressure per square inch (psi), take care to choose a moderate setting and hold the nozzle at least 1 foot from the surface of the deck. Too much pressure can damage the grain of the wood, or cause stucco or other coatings to be removed.
If you don’t have a pressure washer, use your garden hose at the highest available water pressure.
If you are using a Simple Green Pressure Washing Cleaner (we recommend the Deck & Fence version for decks,) simply follow the label instructions.
DOCKS
Important Note: Washing a dock should be done with plain water and a power washer. Although Simple Green is non-toxic and biodegradable, it is still a violation of the US Federal Clean Air and Water Act to allow anything other than rain water to enter storm drains and open waterways. You will be surprised at how clean you can get a dock with just water and a power/pressure sprayer. If, after cleaning with pressurized water, there are still spots of oil or other soil on the dock, apply a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water with a soft bristle brush or sponge. Scrub the spot and then wipe up the area with a bucket of clean water and a sponge, taking care not to allow runoff to drip into the water. Once you have pressure washed the dock, you probably will have few if any, spots that require further cleaning.
DUTCH OVENS/POTS/PANS
Give the baking dish, Dutch oven, pot or pan a good rinse after use to remove any loose food or drippings. Mix a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution and pour into pot/pan/dish to be cleaned. If spraying from a spray bottle, cover sides and bottom of pan generously. Let pan sit for a few hours, overnight if possible. When you return, simply take a sponge and wipe away the mess. Give the pan an overall, light washing, and you're done — no scrubbing or scraping required!
ENGINES
Exterior cleaning
Make sure the engine is cool. Cover and protect distributor, spark plugs & wires, and other sensitive areas with plastic and/or aluminum foil. Wet down engine with plain water. In a spray bottle or pump-up sprayer, mix a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water. Apply this solution all over the engine except for protected areas. Allow the Simple Green mixture to sit for about 5 minutes — but not to dry. If there are areas of baked-on, thick, or viscous soils, scrub those areas with a soft-bristle brush. Rinse off the engine with plain water. Make sure that the rinse fluid does not enter storm drains or open bodies of water. Rinse fluid should only enter sanitary sewer drains or flush onto gravel, dirt, or grass areas to then be watered-in with plain water.
Fuel lines and engine parts – You can use Simple Green to clean your engine fuel lines only if you first disassemble the engine. A 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution should be strong enough to clean out fuel lines. After flushing with the Simple Green solution, rinse/flush thoroughly with water and then do an alcohol rinse/flush to assure complete drying prior to reassembly. Cleaning parts should be a fairly quick process with Simple Green. Wet parts with water first, and then spray on a 50/50 solution of Simple Green & water. Scrub really heavily soiled areas with a soft-bristle brush and then rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat application may be necessary for extremely dirty or baked-on areas. Some automotive varnishes that build up on parts are impervious to Simple Green and will require a solvent-based degreaser.
FINGERPRINTS
To clean fingerprints and smudges from stainless steel appliances use Simple Green Stainless Steel One-Step Cleaner & Polish . Just spray on and wipe for a clean, polished surface that resists fingerprints and water spots.
To clean fingerprints from painted surfaces, fixtures or finished wood cabinets, mix a 1:30 dilution ratio of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Simply spray on and wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.
FIREPLACE
Remove ash and fireplace residue with a broom or dustpan, placing the ashes in a lidded metal container to avoid any kind of flare up of hot ashes or embers. Use a wire brush to loosen creosote deposits and sweep that matter away as well. Spray down the firebox walls and floor with clean water. Brick and stone are porous materials and will quickly soak up any liquids you apply — by wetting down the surface first, you give the cleaning solution a chance to actually remove grime, soot, and carbon deposits, rather than just soaking those stains directly into your brick or stone. After wetting, apply a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water, and scrub into brick or stone hearth and firebox walls and floor. Using a clean, wet sponge, wipe away and excess cleaner and/or soils, and allow the area to dry completely.
Note: While cleaning the hearth and fireplace are simple tasks that don’t take too long, Simple Green recommends a professional chimney sweep be called in to remove soot, ash, and creosote deposits from your flue and chimney annually, and to check your fireplace and chimney for cracks or other seasonal wear-and-tear.
GLASS/MIRRORS
Simple Green makes a glass-specific cleaner called Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass Cleaner. This product can safely be used on glass & mirrors,and is ready-to-use and requires no dilution or mixing. Follow label instructions.
GRAFFITI
Graffiti is typically applied using very tough to remove paints and pens. Most of these contaminants require a specialized solvent-based cleaner to be removed. However, attempting removal with a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water should always be a first-resort. The Simple Green won’t harm the defaced surface and, one never knows, the paint or ink used to create the graffiti might be removed, or greatly diminished by a good washing with Simple Green.
GRANITE, MARBLE, QUARTZ, LIMESTONE, CORIAN® AND SILESTONE® Use Simple Green Stone Non-Abrasive Cleaner and Simple Green Stone Streak-Free Polish to keep fine granite, marble, quartz, limestone, Corian® and Silestone® tabletops and countertops, etc. clean, protected, and looking like new.
GRASS STAINS
We have received many, many phone calls from customers who have used Simple Green to remove grass stains and have always received positive feedback. Wet the stained fabric with plain water first and then spray on a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and water. Rub the fabric against itself gently and then launder immediately. We’ve received letters from mothers of Little Leaguers who say that Simple Green has kept their children’s uniforms sparkling white and grass-stain free!
GROUT
Sealed grout joints should be cleaned with a neutral pH cleaner. Simple Green has a mild alkaline pH of 9.5. Dilution with water to a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution yields a much more neutral solution that is safe to use on sealed, non-colored grout. For colored grout, the dilution should be 3 times higher, (1:30) as the colorants used in grout are not always colorfast, and can also be weakened by long term exposure to shampoos and soaps. Rinse cleaned areas with plain water immediately after cleaning.
Un-colored grout that is in areas soiled with soap scum or hard water deposits can be cleaned with Simple Green Lime Scale Remover. Simple Green Lime Scale Remover should not be used on colored grout.
GUNS
Clean disassembled gun parts in a 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water solution. Rinse completely with warm water. Dry thoroughly, being sure to get any remaining moisture out of blind holes. Immediately follow up with a protectant and/or lubricant to prevent rusting of metal gun parts.
GYM EQUIPMENT
Work out equipment should be wiped down after each use with a dry towel, but to eliminate odors, sweat, dust, and other dirt, you'll need to give it an occasional cleaning with Simple Green. For metal parts, bars, supports, grips, vinyl seating or supports, use a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water — spray onto soiled areas. Wipe immediately with damp cloth to rinse, followed by dry towel — making sure to completely dry the area cleaned.
Note: Some exercise equipment will have lubricants that will be cleaned away by Simple Green; you will need to re-lube these areas to keep your equipment in peak condition. Read manufacturer's instructions before cleaning.
HORSES & HORSE STALLS
When applied properly, Simple Green is safe to use to clean horses. It can help remove tarweed sap and other soils on horses and diminish problems with flies through deodorization.
- Work in sections so that the Simple Green solution doesn’t sit on the skin for too long and dry it out too much.
- Mix a 1-part-Simple Green to 10-parts-water solution in a bucket.
- Wet the horse with plain water.
- With a cloth or soft scrub brush, wash the horse just as you would with any shampoo. (Any sap or stubborn soils should treated by putting Simple Green on a damp rag or cloth and rubbing into the area; rinse immediately.)
- Rinse the cleaned section well with water until the rinse water runs clear (no suds or foam).
- Take care not to get the solution into the horse’s eyes, nose or mouth. It will be irritating to mucous membranes and quite stinging to the eyes if this happens. If the solution gets in the horses eyes by accident, rinse and flush the eyes with cool water, lifting upper and lower lids and rinsing for 15 minutes.
- When done, give the horse one more overall rinse with water.
- You should follow cleaning with a coat conditioner, as Simple Green can be a bit more drying than typical shampoo.
Stall cleaning: Simple Green is also great for cleaning out stalls, as it will deodorize and help reduce the problem with flies. A 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution is typically strong enough to scrub down a stall that has already been mucked out. Take care not to leave any containers or puddles of Simple Green solution where horses or other animals might drink.
HVAC CONDENSER COILS
You can use Simple Green to clean your heating, ventilation, and air conditioner condenser coils but proper dilution and rinsing must be done to avoid corrosion to aluminum parts. Begin by turning off and unplugging the equipment. Create a 1:1 solution of Simple Green and water (1 part Simple Green mixed with 1 part water) and spray this solution onto the coils. If necessary, use a non-metallic bristle brush to scrub down the coils & fins. After cleaning, rinse the coils & fins well with fresh water. Allow the coils to dry before restarting the unit. For air handlers that have been cleaned, expect to smell the fresh aroma of Simple Green for a little while. If rinsing has been done properly and thoroughly, this aroma should not be overpowering, and should diminish fairly quickly.
LAMINATE FLOORING
Deep cleaning laminate flooring can be a dilemma because it shouldn’t get too wet. Simple Green in a 1:30 solution is safe and effective, when used properly. For best results, lightly spray onto sections of the floor and mop up with a clean damp sponge mop.
Remember that laminate flooring is just a photograph pressed onto compressed wood. If water gets under the protective laminate coating, it could warp. Major laminate flooring companies have proprietary cleaners skewed to their products. Due to warranty issues, if a specific product is recommended by the manufacturer we suggest that you stick with that cleaner.
LAUNDRY
Simple Green has been used for over 35 years for laundry and works well at removing natural soils (clay, dirt, grass and blood stains,) but it really shines when removing petroleum oils and grease. There are several ways that Simple Green can give you outstanding laundry results:
- Adding a ¼ cup of Simple Green to the water in a full wash load will clean and freshen fabric. Do not add any more than ¼ cup of full-strength Simple Green to a full wash load — and be sure to add it to the water once the tub has filled.
- Simple Green can be used on washable fabrics as a spot, stain and collar treatment. Certain stains are beyond correction, but we have received surprising letters from customers saying that Simple Green restored garments, tablecloths, uniforms and more. To use as a spot/stain/collar & cuff treatment, follow these steps:
a) Thoroughly wet the stain, spot, collar or cuff with water.
b) Mix 1 part Simple Green with an equal part of water and spray, dab or dunk to get it onto the affected fabric.
c) Gather the fabric on either side of the stain in each hand and rub the stained area against itself for a moment. You may create a little foaming by doing this – that is good.
d) RINSE OR WASH IMMEDIATELY.
e) When washing, add the ¼ cup of Simple Green to the water-filled tub of water.
Simple Green can also be used as a laundry presoak. For this application, mix 1-part Simple Green with 10-parts water in a glass bowl or plastic container. Immerse stained cloth napkins, tablecloths, work clothes, uniforms, etc. into this solution and let them soak for anywhere from an hour to several days. Put these items into the laundry and do not add any additional Simple Green (the carry-over from the soaked clothes will create the dilution needed in the washing machine.)
MODEL PAINTING
To clean metal models of mold-release oils so that the best paint adherence is achieved, soak models in 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water solution. Most models are made from pewter or mixed-metal alloys, so check your models once every 6-8 hours to be sure that no rusting or oxidizing occurs.
NATURAL STONE
Original, Concentrated Simple Green and Ready-To-Use Simple Green Stone Cleaner and Polish products are safe to use on granite, marble, quartz, and engineered stone surfaces if you follow proper application steps. You never want to use anything acidic on natural stone surfaces. The Simple Green Stone products have a pH of 8.8 which is a very mild alkaline. Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner has a pH of 9.5, which is a bit more alkaline and we recommend a diluted solution for cleaning natural stone with this product.
Simple Green Stone Non-Abrasive Cleaner (ready to use):
- Spray Simple Green Stone Non-Abrasive Cleaner on the surface
- Wipe surface with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.
- For best high-shine results, follow with a wipe-down using plain water.
- To polish, use Simple Green Stone Streak-Free Polish with a non-abrasive dry cloth or paper towel.
Concentrated Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner:
- Mix 1 part Simple Green with about 50 parts water.
- On light colored stone, test this solution in an inconspicuous area first to make sure the stone doesn’t absorb the green color. Dab a little solution onto a spot, let it sit for several minutes, wipe dry and check for any color change.
- Spray or sponge Simple Green solution onto stone surface.
- If cleaning a large area, work in sections so that the solution doesn’t dry on the surface before rinsing.
- Rinse or wipe down the cleaned area with plain water.
- Polish dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or paper towel.
OILS
Simple Green products are simply amazing on a variety of oils and greases. It typically requires a solution of 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water or slightly stronger to remove oils from surfaces. Use the guide below for various oily cleanup tasks:
Cooking Oils: Cooking oils are often more difficult to clean up than petroleum oils! Use a 50/50 solution of Simple Green and hot water to remove baked-on cooking oils from vents, range hoods and stove tops. Recently splattered oil on stove tops and counters can usually be quickly cleaned up with a 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution. *If you have a glass-top stove, you should try Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass cleaner instead. It’s great for removing oils and other soils from glass surfaces and won’t streak or smear.
Petroleum Oils: Simple Green's forte is breaking down petroleum greases, oils, tar and asphalt soils. The severity of the soil will determine the dilution ratio (unless there are also considerations for the surface being cleaned.) Thick, heavy petroleum soils or those that are old and dried out or burnt-on require stronger solutions. Start with a 50/50 dilution — half Simple Green & half water (1:1); or use up to a 1-part Simple Green to 5-parts water solution. Medium thickness (i.e., a light smearing of grease, a coating of fresh motor oil, etc.) can be cleaned with a lighter solution of 1:5 to 1:10, and much lighter soils (i.e., light machining oils, fingerprint oils, a fine spray of clear petroleum oil, etc.) can be cleaned with 1:10 to 1:15 dilutions. Reflective surfaces (glass, chrome, mirrors, etc.) with heavy to medium petroleum soils still must be cleaned with much lighter dilutions or else streaking and a dull film can remain. In these cases, try to wipe away as much of the grease or oil as possible with plain paper towels before cleaning the surface with a solution of 1-ounce of Simple Green to 1-gallon of water. Multiple cleaning and rinsing steps may be necessary to achieve a completely clean, streak-free surface. Again, you might also try Simple Green Multi-Surface Kitchen & Glass cleaner for these surfaces.
Poison Ivy and Other Plant Oils: Clean your camping gear, shoes, even your skin with Simple Green to remove poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac oils that can linger for years and continue to produce skin rashes. Technically put, Simple Green breaks down the urushiols of Rhus radicans. A 1-part Simple Green to 10-parts water solution is the right dilution for washing canvas (tents), washable hiking boots, plastic or metal storage containers and coolers, etc. You can even use 1-ounce of Simple Green to a 1-quart spray bottle of water to wash down arms and legs (not face) after exposure to these itchy ivies. Just be sure to rinse everything (gear, coolers, yourself) thoroughly with plain water after cleaning.
OVEN CLEANING
Mix a 1:1 solution of Simple Green & water. Apply to the inside of the oven and allow to soak for about 3 minutes. For the vertical surfaces in ovens it helps to use the foaming tip on your Simple Green spray bottle. Scrub with a nylon scrub brush or non-abrasive scrubbing pad. Rinse thoroughly with a clean damp sponge. You can soak the baking racks in the sink if necessary using about ½ cup of Simple Green to about 4 cups of water.
Simple Green Heavy Duty BBQ and Grill Cleaner is also safe for use on ovens. This foaming cleaner is ready to use and the foaming action makes it very appealing for vertical surfaces. Just spray onto a cool surface, let soak for about 5 minutes, scrub with a medium bristle brush or non abrasive scrubber and wipe with a clean damp sponge. Repeated applications may be necessary for heavy cleaning or baked on spills, but this is a safe and effective alternative to harsh and toxic oven cleaners. No gloves or mask are required.
Stove Top & Grills: Mix a 1:10 solution of Simple Green & water. Spray on to the stove top, drip pans and grill areas. Let soak for about 3 minutes, rinse with a damp sponge and dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
For heavily soiled or burnt on grease & spills use a stronger 1:1 solution and a non-abrasive, soft bristle brush to scrub; then rinse with a clean damp sponge and dry with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Vent or Hood: For cleaning your oven vent or hood, mix a 1:10 Simple Green solution Just spray on, let sit for a couple of minutes then wipe clean with a clean damp sponge. For vertical surfaces it helps to use the foaming tip on your Simple Green spray bottle.
For very greasy or heavily soiled vents & hoods you might want to use a stronger solution, between 1:1 and 1:5. Always keep in mind, the stronger the solution, the more thorough you want to rinse in order to insure a residue free finish.
PATIO/PATIO FURNITURE
Remove any leaves, twigs or other windblown debris from the area you want to clean. Spray down entire area with garden hose. Spray Simple Green in a 1-part Simple Green to 1-part water solution, all over patio area and patio furniture. Simple Green is safe on cement, tile, rock, brick — whatever hard surface you have, as well as on plastics found in most outdoor furniture. Using the highest pressure setting on your garden hose nozzle, blast the area with a generous amount of water. The pressure for the hose nozzle should help loosen any set-in debris or stains, but in the event that you have highly soiled areas, use a push-broom or a hand broom to loosen mud, dirt, and other stuck-in debris, then rinse away. For outdoor furniture, use a sponge or scrubbing pad to remove stains and dirt, then rinse away. Simple Green won’t harm flower beds or lawn, and is safe for pets and other wildlife that may visit the area. Just make sure you rinse any puddles of Simple Green into the ground, grass or dirt well. Remember, it is a violation of federal law to rinse anything other than rain water into storm drains or sewers.
POOL COVER
Use a 1:10 dilution ratio of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. Work in sections, cleaning then rinsing. Do not allow Simple Green solution to dry onto the pool cover. You may want to scrub any set-in stains or dirt with a sponge, soft bristle brush, or scrubbing pad. After completely cleaning your pool cover, rinse well, and spread cover out to air-dry completely.
Simple Green, when rinsed into dirt, flower beds, or grass will not harm plant life or pets or other wildlife that may visit the area. Just make sure you rinse any puddles of Simple Green into the ground or grass well. Also keep in mind that it is a violation of federal law to rinse anything other than rain water into storm drains or open bodies of water.
POOL TILES
Simple Green Lime Scale Remover is a ready-to-use formula that is very effective on hard water stains, marks caused by high alkaline levels in the water, and mineral deposits. To remove white buildup on pool tiles, start by pulling out the spray tip on the very front of the spray nozzle, then spray onto the affected surface in small sections. Allow the Simple Green Lime Scale Remover to soak for about a minute, scrub with a non-abrasive soft bristle brush, and rinse with a clean sponge. A small amount of Lime Scale Remover entering the pool water is not a problem; however, the runoff should be controlled by wiping with an absorbent cloth or sponge to minimize entry of product into the pool.
RAFTS & OTHER WATER TOYS
Dilute Simple Green to a 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water cleaning solution. Spray Simple Green solution onto rafts, floats, kick-boards, or other water toys, wipe away any dirt or debris. After completely cleaning, rinse well, and allow to air-dry completely. Simple Green when rinsed into dirt, flower beds or grass, will not harm plant life or pets or other wildlife that may visit the area. Just make sure you rinse any puddles of Simple Green into the ground, grass or dirt well. Remember, it is a violation of federal law to rinse anything other than rain water into storm drains or sewers.
REFRIGERATOR
Interior - Remove all of the food from the refrigerator. For regular cleaning, mix a 1:30 solution of Simple Green & water. Just spray on and wipe off with a clean damp sponge, then wipe dry with a lint free cloth or paper towel. For spills or heavily soiled refrigerator interiors you can use a stronger 1:10 solution. When using the stronger solution be sure to thoroughly rinse with clean water then dry with lint free cloth or paper towel. If you find that the Simple Green scent lingers just put a box of baking soda in the refrigerator. For the exterior of your refrigerator, use a 1:30 solution of Simple Green and water, scrub with a non abrasive scrubber or cloth and wipe with a clean damp sponge.
RUBBER STAMPING
Simple Green works wonders at cleaning and maintaining those precious and costly rubber stamps that many scrap-bookers use.
See more details from actual users:
http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175397
We like the idea of adding a little glycerin to the diluted Simple Green mixture so that cleaning and conditioning are done at the same time. Long-term use of Simple Green without any sort of conditioning might dry out the rubber in some stamps — although there are long term users who do not report any damage.
RV’s
RV Exterior and Rubber Roof – Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is safe and effective for cleaning RV exteriors, including gel coated fiberglass. Cleaning the exterior of your RV, including rubberized RV roofs should be done with a 1:30 solution of Simple Green and water. It is always best to clean your RV in the shade or on an overcast day. The hot sun can cause any cleaning solution to act more aggressively, and can cause the cleaner to dry onto the surface. Work in sections and rinse after cleaning so that the solution does not have a chance to dry (it’ll be harder to remove if allowed to dry before rinsing.) Rinse each section as you go. Another helpful tip - Wash from the bottom up and rinse from the top down. This will help to prevent streaking.
For polished aluminum trailers, try Extreme Simple Green Motorsports or Simple Green Pro HD. These products are based on the formula that was developed for the aircraft industry. It’s fast acting, non-corrosive to aluminum, high tech alloys, rubber and plastic, and rinses residue free.
Black-water tanks – To use Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner as a deodorizer for a black-water tank, add a whole quart to your full 50-gallon tank before setting off for the destination where you plan to dump it. The sloshing of the Simple Green in the tank will help liquefy and deodorize so that you have an easier flushing task at your next stop. Once you have flushed your black water tank you can retreat the system with enzymes and be back on your way!
Gray Water Tanks – Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is safe for gray-water tanks. When you use Simple Green to clean typical household soils (counter tops, floors, sinks, showers, etc.) it will be rinsed into your gray-water tank. This is perfectly safe for the tank. To deodorize a gray water tank you shouldn’t have to add Simple Green if you are cleaning with it. Simply keep a pre-diluted 1:10 solution of Simple Green and water for cleaning most surfaces inside your RV. Be sure to mix the Simple Green solution in a clean bottle that is marked “Simple Green” so that no one mistakes it for mouthwash or hairspray! For cleanin your polished aluminum trailer, the recommended product would be Extreme Simple Green Motorsports or Simple Green Pro HD.
TENTS
See awnings above.
TOOLS
Clean dirty or greasy tools and workspaces with a cleaning solution of 1-part Simple Green to 30-parts water. Spray generously and wipe away immediately. Follow with a dry towel wipe-down, making sure to completely dry each tool. You can also use Simple Green Heavy-Duty Towels for this job, just wipe with a Simple Green Heavy-Duty Towel, then dry completely.
TOYS
A light 1:30 dilution ratio is perfect for lightly cleaning toys. Simply spray onto the surface and rinse well.
For outdoor toys and playground equipment mix a 1:10 dilution ratio of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner. For best results use a pump sprayer, scrub well with a soft to medium bristle brush to remove ground in or heavy soil, then rinse well.
TRAILERS
See RV’s above.
WALLS
For larger jobs mix a 1:30 solution of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner in a large bucket of water. Apply with a large sponge or non-abrasive cloth or scrubber then follow by wiping with clean water and a sponge for a thoroughly clean and residue-free finish.
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